That he may set him with princes. The words of 1 Samuel 2:8 are still followed. (For the sentiment, see also Job 36:7 .) Historically, the statement is illustrated by the examples of Joseph, Saul, David, Daniel, Mordecai. Even with the princes of his people . Not merely with heathen princes, but with those who exercise sovereignty over Israel, as Joseph with Pharaoh, Daniel with Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus, Mordecai with Ahasuerus or Xerxes. read more
He maketh the barren woman to keep house . Hannah's song is still in the psalmist's thoughts, and suggests this illustration (see 1 Samuel 2:5 ). But it must not be restricted to a literal interpretation. The true "barren woman" was Israel ( Isaiah 54:1 ), whose curse of barrenness was ultimately removed, and who became, as here prophesied, a joyful mother of children (comp. Isaiah 49:12 , Isaiah 49:18 , Isaiah 49:20 ; Isaiah 54:2 , Isaiah 54:3 ; Isaiah 60:5 ; Galatians... read more
The mission of the children. Here is an evident allusion to the joy of Hannah, when her prayer was heard, and Samuel came as the firstborn of a family. "The Lord visited Hannah, so that she bare three sons and two daughters," and her adversary could provoke her no more. It is remarked that the Rabbins actually speak of a man's wife as his house ; and the same form of speech is current at the present day among the Arabs. This joy men have in children, which is characteristic of every... read more
The author of this psalm, as of those which immediately precede it, is unknown. It is very general in its character, and has no allusion to any circumstances by which one could determine the name of the author, or the occasion on which it was written. In connection with the five following psalms, it constitutes what was known among the Hebrews as the “Hallel’; that is, the song of praise, sung on great occasions, at the annual festivals, and especially at the Passover and the Feast of... read more
Praise ye the Lord - Margin, as in Hebrew, “Hallelujah.” See the notes at Psalms 106:1.Praise, O ye servants of the Lord - You who profess to serve and obey him; who acknowledge him as your God. In the original this is also the word “Hallelu,” הללוּ halelû.Praise the name of the Lord - Still the same word “Hallelu.” The name of the Lord is put here, as it is often, for the Lord himself. read more
Blessed be the name of the Lord - Blessed be the Lord; or; Let the name of the Lord be blessed.From this time forth and for evermore - Now and forever. He is worthy of praise now, and he ever will be. What he is now, he will always continue to be; and as praise is proper now, it will be forever and ever. An eternal God has claims to eternal praise. read more
From the rising of the sun ... - From the farthest east to the farthest west - the sun in its rising and setting being the remotest object that we see in the horizon.The Lord’s name is to be praised - This does not mean that it “will” be - though that is true; but that it “ought” to be - that it is worthy of universal praise. All people in the east and in the west - everywhere - “should” praise and adore that name. read more
The Lord is high above all nations - Hebrew, Exalted above all nations is Yahweh. That is, he rules over all nations; he directs their affairs; he is their sovereign king. As a matter of fact, and from the necessity of the case, he is on a throne which is elevated above all the kings and kingdoms of the world. He is the Sovereign not only of one nation, but of all; and it is meet that this should be acknowledged by them all.And his glory above the heavens - That which renders him glorious. The... read more
Who is like unto the Lord our God? - Who can be compared with Yahweh our God? See the notes at Isaiah 40:17-25. The meaning is, that no creature - no idol - can be compared with Yahweh. The remark here has special reference to his attributes as immediately specified - his humbling himself to behold the things in heaven and in earth; his raising up the poor, etc. It is true “in general,” in regard to God, that no creature can be compared with him; it is true, in regard to each one of his... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7-8
The overflowing gratitude of the saved soul. How intense is the fervor of praise with which this psalm is full! The soul of the psalmist can scarce contain itself, and we are inevitably led to inquire into the reason and occasion of such gratitude. It is told of in the verses before us. No doubt the salvation spoken of was primarily a national one; it was Israel who had been so visited of God. It was Israel who was sunk so low in misery and degradation-sunk down to the dust and the... read more